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Security operation begins for Tory Conference

Details of measures to be implemented ahead of the events at the ICC have been released.

A security operation begins this week in Birmingham as West Midlands Police prepare for the Conservative Party Conference on Sunday.

Hyatt Hotel – Birmingham

The operation has been months in the planning and has involved close working with Birmingham City Council, Marketing Birmingham, the International Convention Centre, the Hyatt and many other partners.

Work begins on Thursday to secure the Hyatt and ICC ahead of the start of the conference, which will involve a number of road restrictions. The mall through the ICC will be closed to the public throughout the conference. The area around the building, including Centenary Square, the Hyatt Regency Hotel and the section of Broad Street between Canal Street and Paradise Forum will see changes to access for traffic.

Nearby residents and businesses have been sent a letter explaining how they will be affected by the security operation. The information is also available on the Birmingham City Council website. The restrictions will be lifted and the security operation will scale down when the conference ends on Wednesday 10th October.

Motorists are urged to allow extra time for their journey if they are travelling into the city centre and we thank them in advance for their patience and understanding.

Plans are also in place for the TUC March and Rally which is also taking place on Sunday from 11am. Around a thousand people are expected to march through parts of the city centre.

Assistant Chief Constable Garry Forsyth, who is leading the operation, said: “We are proud to be able to play our part in this event and are confident that we will provide a safe and secure environment for all those who attend the conference and for everyone who lives and works in Birmingham.”